Israel’s top-secret military intelligence unit, charged with developing technologies to support combat operations, has now broken cover to reveal its latest developments to tackle the coronavirus pandemic.
The Israeli Defense Forces announced earlier this week that Unit 81 is “using its technological expertise to develop a breakthrough in the fight against COVID-19.”
Unit 81 is using its technological expertise to develop a breakthrough in the fight against #COVID19 together with @IsraelMOH & @MDAis. Here's how:
• Adapting the BiPAP home ventilating device to be able to ventilate coronavirus patients. A prototype is currently underway. pic.twitter.com/4ojRsOw5UU
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) March 19, 2020
Their developments include creating a “special shield and separate ventilation” to protect ambulance drivers transporting coronavirus patients, and developing advanced software to improve efficiency of lab checks for testing kits.
Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has declared a state of emergency to battle the virus. Last weekend, he sanctioned cyber tools to track potential infections. The country currently has 945 cases of coronavirus infections.
